Joseph Randle (Oklahoma State) returns to the list after being named a semifinalist for the award in 2011. Other Big 12 nominees for the trophy, which recognizes the nation's top college running back, include Jarred Salubi (Baylor), James White (Iowa State), John Hubert (Kansas State), Waymon James (TCU), Matthew Tucker (TCU) and Eric Stephens (Texas Tech).

The award, in its 23nd year, is named for SMU's three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. It is the only major collegiate award that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification.

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name the semifinalists on November 9, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast votes to determine the finalists, to be announced on November 19.

The winner of the 2012 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards Show Thursday, December 6, on ESPN.